EA Sports to bundle peripherals with games

Electronic Arts executive David McCarthy has revealed plans for EA Sports to create specialised peripherals to go along with several new games coming out within the next year.

McCarthy, who revealed the plans in an interview with Gamasutra in Paris, did not reveal plans for any specific games or platforms however, but said that the plans were in place for some future games on the EA Sports label.

He compared the intention of the move was similar to Rock Band for the Wii in that it would provide an extra level of immersion and fun for players.

"You have to be careful with it, because Rock Band, that's a great peripheral, but it's a big expensive box," added McCarthy.

The Electronic Arts exec was keen to stress that the bundled peripherals would not be intended just as a way to charge players more money though. McCarthy was clear that EA will only bundle special peripherals when it feels that they add significantly to the enjoyment of the game and "provided it doesn't raise that barrier of entry and accessibility" for gamers.

"I think you'll see games using that Rock Band peripheral strategy from EA Sports, even within the next 12 months," McCarthy predicted.

Would you welcome extra peripherals to your favourite games, or are they little more than a gimmick? Let us know what your thoughts are in the forums.